Why Recognizing Assamese as a ‘Classical Language’ Matters?

Dikumoni Hazarika

As a native speaker of Assamese, witnessing the language being conferred classical status fills me with immense pride.

This recognition is not just a validation of the language’s antiquity, but a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and literary excellence that Assamese embodies.

The language carries within it the essence of Assamese culture, traditions, and moral values.

It has a strong grammatical foundation and is home to an exceptional body of literature ranging from religious texts to mythological epics, classical dramas, poems, and short stories.

Works such as Burhi Aair Sadhu or Burhi Aai’r Xaadhu (Grand Mother’s Tales) by Lakshminath Bezbaruah a collection of moral stories akin to the Panchatantra shaped my childhood, instilling values that have stayed with me throughout my life.

Rongmon is known as the first Assamese language comic book series to be printed in colour was more than just a comic series; it was a companion that brightened my childhood, providing me with valuable life lessons wrapped in entertaining tales.

As I transitioned into my teenage years, my reading journey was further enriched by the works of Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Homen Borgohain, Mamoni Raisom Goswami, Anuradha Sharma Pujari, Rita Choudhury, etc.

Despite its linguistic richness, Assamese remains largely unexplored outside the state of Assam. My personal experience, since moving to Delhi in 2017 and later to Chandigarh, has made this reality even more apparent. I have encountered very few people who have any substantial knowledge about the origin or significance of the language. In this case, the classical status may play a pivotal role in addressing this.

The Assamese language, an Indo-Aryan language recognized by the Indian constitution, is both the official language and the common language of Assam. The language faces challenges, particularly from the dominance of English and Hindi, which has led to a decline in its popularity, even within its home state. Schools are increasingly prioritizing English to meet the demands of a globalized world.

However, I feel privileged to write about the language because I studied in the Assamese medium until my 12th grade.

Assamese, referred to locally as “Axomiya,” is not just a language; it is the heart and soul of Assam’s cultural identity. Its roots can be traced back to Sanskrit, evolving through Magadhi Apabhramsa, a dialect of the Eastern Prakrit, around the 7th century A.D.

Scholars such as G.A. Grierson, Suniti Kumar Chatterji, and Banikanta Kakati have suggested that Assamese evolved from Magadhi-Prakrit, while others, including Beni Madhab Barua and Dimbeshwar Neog, trace it back to Kamrupi-Prakrit. Whatever the precise origin, Assamese developed into a distinct language with its literary tradition by the 8th century.

The history of the language is intricately tied to the region’s political and cultural shifts, from the reign of the Ahom dynasty to the formation of the modern Assamese identity. The language received official status following the 1959-60 language revolt, which led to the Assam Official Language Act. The establishment of the Assam Official Language (Translation of Central Laws) Commission in 1987 further cemented Assamese as a language of governance.

The Assamese literary tradition spans over a thousand years and is categorized into five major periods: the Formative Phase (800-1300 A.D.), the Pre-Vaishnavite Era (1300-1550 A.D.), the Vaishnavite Era (1550-1650 A.D.), the post-Sankardeva Era (1650-1850 A.D.), and the Contemporary Era (1830 onwards).

Ancient texts like the Charyapadas, composed by Buddhist Siddhacharyas between the 8th and 12th centuries, provide some of the earliest examples of Assamese language and script. The Charyapadas, with their distinct Assamese vocabulary and phonetic patterns, form a significant link between Assamese and other Magadhan languages.

The Vaishnavite era, spearheaded by luminaries like Srimanta Sankardeva, saw the flourishing of Assamese literature, particularly in the form of devotional songs, dramas, and religious treatises. Srimanta Sankardev’s writings significantly enriched the Assamese language, blending elements of folk traditions, Vaishnavism, and regional dialects.

His lyrical writings, such as Borgeets (a collection of devotional songs) and Ankiya Naat (a traditional one-act play, dance, and ballad performance art form from Assam), improved Assamese literature and created a sense of cultural identity and solidarity among the Assamese people. This period left a profound imprint on Assamese society and culture, with literature that continues to influence modern Assamese identity.

The post-Sankardeva era and the Contemporary era witnessed the rise of new literary forms such as drama, novels, and modern poetry, with figures like Hemchandra Barua, Gunabhiram Barua, and the Jonaki-era writers contributing to the growth of standard Assamese.

The ‘Eighth Schedule’ of the Indian Constitution recognizes Assamese as one of the official languages, thereby ensuring its promotion and protection at the national level. This recognition facilitates the use of Assamese in government communications, education, and public administration, affirming its status within the multilingual framework of the country.

On 3^rd October 2024, the Government of India’s conferral of classical language status on Assamese marks a crucial milestone in the preservation and promotion of the language. This status not only acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of Assamese but also ensures government support for its continued development.

With this recognition comes access to increased funding for research, education, and cultural initiatives, which will play a critical role in preserving the language for future generations. Language serves as a vital conduit for expressing Assam’s rich cultural heritage, including its diverse ethnic traditions, vibrant festivals like Bihu, classical dance forms such as Satriya Nritya, and a unique culinary tradition. This linguistic foundation not only preserves but also amplifies the narratives that shape the state’s identity and history.

The criteria for recognizing a language as “classical” are established by a Linguistic Experts Committee, which has set specific benchmarks that must be fulfilled. Firstly, a language must demonstrate high antiquity, with early texts and recorded history extending over a millennium.

Secondly, it should possess a substantial body of ancient literature, which is regarded as a cultural heritage by successive generations of its speakers. Alongside poetic works, the language must also have a significant collection of prose, including knowledge texts, epigraphic materials, and inscriptional evidence.

Finally, the classical language and its literature can be distinct from its modern form, or it may have evolved into newer forms, potentially exhibiting discontinuity from its original structure.

As a native Assamese speaker, I see this recognition as a crucial step toward bringing the language into the national spotlight and becoming the language exemplary. It allows more people to appreciate the richness of Assamese literature and culture. The honour also rekindles pride in the language among Assamese speakers, encouraging us to continue nurturing our linguistic heritage.

07-10-2024

Dikumoni Hazarika, PhD. Research Scholar, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India; e-mail : dikumonihazarika1@gmail.com

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